11-Day Fitness, Surf and Yoga Adventure Retreat in Sri Lanka

Days at Dreamsea Ahangama run on a rhythm of 2–3 coached sessions. That means strength work, MetCon and boxing alongside yoga and Pilates, with the surf package slotted in around them. The beginner surf package is five lessons with 10+ hours of in-water coaching and theory, taught on the break in front of the property. Boards are free to use for the whole Ahangama week, so you can paddle out on your own between sessions.

The Ella leg is slower. You arrive at Arana Eco Lodge, 1,000 metres up in the hills, and start with arrival yoga. There's a group visit to the Nine Arches Bridge, and the second day is yours to pick from the train ride, a cooking class, a tea estate or staying put at the lodge. The drive south takes in temples and a waterfall before the night in Wellawaya, and the next morning starts before dawn for the Udawalawe National Park safari.

What separates this from a standard surf-and-yoga week is the amount of coaching. Three coaches travel with a group of 20, and the sessions cover strength, MetCon and boxing as well as yoga and Pilates. The whole beachfront property at Dreamsea is booked out for the group, which includes a private beach volleyball court and a pool. A photographer shoots the week, so you leave with photos and video rather than just phone snaps.

Erin founded SALTY Retreats in 2023. She's from Kingston, Ontario, lives in Ottawa, owns two yoga studios (SoulSpeak Studios) and has been an entrepreneur and content creator for years. Nate joined after an eight-year career as a player in the CFL and hosts the trips. Julianne, based in Vancouver and originally from the Toronto area, teaches yoga and surf and has travelled to more than 40 countries.

Ahangama sits on Sri Lanka's south coast, where February falls in the dry season. Daytime temperatures are typically 28–32°C and the ocean is warm. Ella is cooler because of the elevation, so highland mornings need layers and a light rain layer is worth packing. Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the arrival point, with group shuttles to Ella on arrival day and an outbound shuttle back to CMB included.

What's included

- 2 nights at Arana Eco Lodge, Ella - 1 night in Wellawaya - 7 nights at Dreamsea Ahangama, with the whole property booked out for the group - 2–3 coached sessions a day: strength, MetCon, boxing, yoga and Pilates - Daily breakfasts - 5 lunches and 5 dinners at Dreamsea, plus select group dinners on the Ella leg - Dreamsea beginner surf package: 5 lessons, 10+ hours of in-water coaching plus theory - Free surfboard rental for the full Ahangama week - Udawalawe safari excursion - Full-day Galle Fort group excursion - Welcome reception and 2 hosted nights out - Inbound airport shuttle from Colombo (CMB) at the scheduled times, and the outbound shuttle to CMB - All ground transport during the retreat - Private beach volleyball court at Dreamsea - Professional photography and video of the week

What's not included

- International flights to Colombo (CMB) - Travel insurance (strongly recommended) - Sri Lanka ETA (free for most passports) - Meals not listed above - Drinks beyond hosted events - Tips for staff (your choice) - Personal expenses and shopping - Private transfers for arrivals after the last group shuttle